Benjamin Smith is the Cross Curricular Head of Equity and Lead Student Success Teacher at Chinguacousy Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario. He is a 2023 national recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, the highest national honour for teachers in Canada, is as 2024 recipient of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Pin, two time recipient of the Peel District School Board's Award of Distinction (2017 & 2019), and an Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation Certificate of Achievement recipient (2017). Ben has had the privilege of learning and working with educators and community partners from across the globe, including being an ambassador to international and national delegations visiting the Peel District School Board in learning more about culturally responsive and relevant learning practices, has worked with esteemed community partners ranging from Ontario's Poet Laureate, Randell Adjei, Anishinaabe activist, advocate and artist, Sarain Fox, nationally recognized chef, Roger Mooking, nationally renowned civil rights activist, youth empowerment expert, and former CFL player, Orlando Bowen, and rising motivational speaker and youth excellence advocate, Sam Demma, and has experience serving in nearly every facet of public education.

Ben has been the driving force in transforming the Chinguacousy Secondary School's culture through deep involvement and dedication. He empowers students from grades 9 to 12 to take ownership and agency over their educational journeys while simultaneously building teacher capacity to create classroom environments that are culturally responsive and accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities.

----------

Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness. www.samdemma.com

Want to join the High Performing Educator Network: www.highperformingeducator.com